Rejuvenating 10-Day New Zealand Road Trip

Kick off your relaxing New Zealand road trip by picking up your motorhome at maui’s Christchurch branch in Orchard Road at the Christchurch Airport. The friendly team at maui will show you through your campervan and make sure you’re ready for the road.

There’s no hurry today, so take some time out to explore the wonderful city of Christchurch. You may like to start your day with a relaxing stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. There’s always something beautiful to see at any time of year. And when you’re feeling hungry, treat yourself to lunch at Ilex Café. After lunch, head to the Christchurch Gondola and take a trip to the top of the Port Hills. Sit back, take a breath, and enjoy the amazing views of the city on your way up. At the top, stretch your legs along one of the walking tracks then peruse the gift shops before heading back to your campervan for the evening.  

Put your feet up tonight at the Tasman Holiday Park Christchurch where you can make use of the indoor swimming pool and heated spa. 

Today’s drive to Kaikoura takes in some of the South Island’s lovely small townships such as Amberley, Waipara and Cheviot. You may like to stop along the way to check out some of the shops, cafes, and wineries.

Kaikoura is famous for its world-class whale watching and dolphin tours. If you’ve never been on a whale watch cruise before, now is the time. Cruise out into New Zealand’s deepest marine reserve frequented by humpbacks, sperm whales, blue whales, southern right whales, and playful dusky dolphins. It’s a truly magical experience! Kaikoura is also well known for its abundant seafood, and the best place to sample some is at the world-famous Nins Bin. Tuck into a freshly caught crayfish cooked in garlic butter. Vheck opening times as once they run out- they close.

Relax and enjoy a quiet evening at Kaikoura TOP 10. Pour a glass of bubbles and head to the spa or sauna to unwind before bed. 

Day four of your relaxing New Zealand road trip takes you to the top of the South Island. Internationally renowned for its excellent sauvignon blanc, Blenheim is one of New Zealand’s sunniest towns. It’s also a great spot for a wine tour. One of the best ways to explore the great vineyards of the region is by bike (which you can hire through maui). You may like to take a self-guided tour or book into one of the many guided tours on offer. 

If you’re in town on the weekend, take the opportunity to stock up on fresh produce and tasty goodies at one of the local markets. A popular choice is the Marlborough Farmers Market, held every Sunday, 9 am – 12 pm at the A&P Showgrounds. 

Head to Blenheim Bridges Holiday Park for a relaxing evening. Once you’re parked up, pop open a bottle of sauvignon and enjoy some treats from the market.

It’s day four and time to let someone else take the wheel for a bit as you cruise across Cook Strait.

Start your morning off with a drive to the pretty seaside township of Picton (about 25 minutes’ drive from Blenheim). If you have time, have an alfresco breakfast at Seabreeze Café on London Quay.

Remember to pre-book your ferry crossing with the Interislander Ferry – simply drive your campervan onboard, then head up to the deck to relax and watch the magnificent scenery roll by as you depart the South Island. 

Put your feet up tonight at the Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park. Don’t forget to make use of the hot tubs, private spa, and sauna.

Spend the morning exploring New Zealand’s capital city. If you’re keen on some shopping, head to Lambton Quay where you’ll find the best of Wellington’s high street stores. Check out amazing views and blow off the cobwebs with a ride on the Wellington Cable Car - a short journey that takes you up through the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to the lookout perched high above the city.

Before you hit the road again, book yourself in for a truly relaxing float tank experience at Float Well. Discover the benefits of feeling weightless as you float on water infused with Epsom salts or book a massage at East Day Spa East Day Spa or its sibling outfit Spring Spa. Both have been recognised as the best boutique beauty retreats in Asia and Oceania. 

Now that you’re feeling relaxed and refreshed, it’s time to head to the beautiful South Wairarapa village of Martinborough. Once you arrive, head to Ranui Essentials and breathe in the amazing aroma of the delightful lavender fields. Take a farm tour, buy some lavender goodies from the store, and taste the farm’s lavender gin, vodka, and liqueur. 

Pick up some artisan cheese or an antipasto selection from The Grocer and head to Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park for the night. 

Today you’ll be heading to the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. Napier lies on the east coast of the North Island in the Hawke’s Bay region. There’s lots to see and do in this coastal township, but one of the most relaxing is a Church Road Winetasting Tour.

For some serious indulgence, follow up with a visit to Silky Oak Chocolates. Stock up on delicious handmade chocolate goodies and take a wander through the Chocolate Museum. If you feel the need to walk off some of those tasty calories, we recommend taking the Napier Art Deco Guided Walk.

After all that wine, chocolate, and walking, you’ll be ready for a good night’s sleep at Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.

On day seven of your relaxing New Zealand road trip, you’ll be driving to the heart of the North Island. With its beautiful lake, pristine rivers, ancient forests and geothermal attractions, Taupo is a popular destination for campervan travellers. 

Our suggested first stop is the famous Huka Falls. Marvel at the amazing speed and power of these thunderous falls from the safety of the footbridge above. If you’re keen on a closer look, try a jet boat ride or river cruise. For a more relaxed approach take a walk around the river.

Next on your travel itinerary is a spa treatment at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort. Now’s the time to get that long-awaited massage, body treatment, or facial. Our recommendation is the hot volcanic stone massage – perfect for relieving tense muscles and aching joints. 

Park up for the night at Taupo Debretts campsite. After your spa treatment, you can simply wander back to your campervan and enjoy a great night’s sleep. 

Today you’ll be travelling from one awesome geothermal area to another. Rotorua is brimming with incredible things to see and do. It’s also the perfect stop on a relaxing road trip. One of the must-do activities while you’re here is to bathe in therapeutic thermal mud at Hell’s Gate. The healing properties of the geothermal mud and sulphur mineral water have been used by local Māori for over 800 years. You can be sure your body and soul will feel revitalised after a soothing soak. 

For a unique hot tub experience, head along to Secret Spot. Soak away the day in one of 12 hand-crafted cedar hot tubs nestled among native plantings within a beautifully landscaped garden. You can even order wine, bubbles, or a full range of hot drinks via the tub-side button.

Or if a soothing soak is not your thing why not take the gondola up the mountain and indulge in a spot of wine tasting with volcanic hills wine or lunch at Market Kitchen or Stratosfare Restaurant and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and steaming geothermal vistas.

Tonight, relax in the beautiful surroundings of the Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park. Enjoy a picnic dinner at the lake just across the road. 

After all that soaking and soothing yesterday, today is all about shopping, eating, and sightseeing. Meaning ‘place of rest or anchorage’ in Māori, Tauranga is the Bay of Plenty’s largest city. Park up near the downtown waterfront precinct to enjoy lunch at one of the excellent restaurants or cafes. Time for a little retail therapy? Take a wander through the Bayfair Shopping Centre in Mt Maunganui where you’ll find 100 different retailers. While you’re in ‘the Mount’ challenge yourself to the 40-minute walk up Mauao. It might have you puffing along the way, but the views at the top are worth it.  

For a comfortable night’s stay, park up at Mount Beachside Holiday Park and take in stunning vistas.

It’s the last day of your amazing 10-day New Zealand road trip. But there’s still time to squeeze in some relaxing activities as you head to Auckland. Along the way, set your GPS for a stop at Karangahake Gorge. Explore the old mining relics and tunnels along the historic walkway. Plan a picnic and relax riverside for lunch or grab a coffee and a scone at Wakino Station. 

The last item on your travel itinerary is to drop off your campervan hire at maui’s Auckland branch. You may like to chat with the team behind the desk about booking in your next campervan adventure while you’re there!

Is a rejuvenating getaway on the cards?

Massages and wine tours, mud soaks and sightseeing… now that’s what we call a relaxing road trip! 

When you travel by maui campervan hire, you can enjoy next-level luxury and comfort. Maui’s range of premium, modern motorhomes have everything you need for a relaxing, rejuvenating holiday – and you deserve it! Don’t put it off any longer, book your campervan today.